Gloucester flyer Olly Morgan is not set to return to action until the New Year © Getty Images

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Gloucester have suffered a blow ahead of the new season with the news that fullback Olly Morgan is not expected to return to action until next year.

The 26-year-old suffered knee ligament injury in the Cherry and White's Premiership defeat to Worcester in January and he was initially expected to be sidelined for nine months having undergone surgery. But an infection in his knee has hampered his rehabilitation and is not expected to be fit until 2013.

"Olly had an infection a couple of weeks ago which set him back a bit, it's very difficult to be precise on these things, so you take it week to week really," Gloucester boss Nigel Davies told The Citizen. "We're saying sixth months at the moment but it might be a little longer, or it might even be sooner than that.

"We don't need to rush him back, as we have the cover there now as well. We've got to be mindful of the fact that he's had a very serious injury, and we've got to rehab him properly so that when he does come back he's absolutely as fit as he can be, so he can move forwards quickly.

"Olly has been a fantastic player for Gloucester, I've watched him from afar for a long time now, he's so safe under the high balls, he's got a great reading of the game. And we'll give him as long as possible, as long as he needs, to ensure he comes back completely right."

The recent recruitment of Cornish Pirates fullback Rob Cook and fellow No.15 Martyn Thomas from the Dragons are set to soften the blow with both set to compete for the starting berth ahead of their season-opener against Northampton at Kingsholm on September 1.

In related news, Tongan back-rower Sione Kalamafoni has linked up with Gloucester having secured his visa and has travelled with the rest of the squad to Tignes in France for the latest stage of their pre-season campaign.